I opened this last eve to see how it was doing. Pretty little collection of crystals (both clear and purple) on the wine side of the cork! Garnet and a bit of pinking at the rim. Not much happening here on the nose (the slightest hint of red fruit and ginger) or on the palate (light, sweet strawberry fruit, mature tannin and low acid.)

Tried it again this evening at supper time. It has really opened up. The nose revealed some young Cab with cloves. More weight on the palate with some juicy cassis showing and a supple balance of fruit, acid and tannin. This wine could develop a few more years in the cellar, though it's a great food wine now. This was a ten-dollar wine when I picked up a case a few years ago.

The 2001 is the only vintage of this I have not had since 1998.. I have always found this to be an easy drinker, with good fruit and great with food. It also has been a wine that non-wine people like too.. and relaltively inexpensive...

thanx for the note, and reminding me I have none of this in my cellar from any year!!